Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming to you from Chepstow, Sandpark Town, and Stratford.
CHEPSTOW
Race 3: No5 – PAWS FOR THOUGHT (Nap)
Trainer: Tom Dascombe – Jockey: R Kingscote
All the better for his eye taking debut run at Newbury, PAWS FOR THOUGHT has the wherewithal to take out this median auction maiden for a trainer whose juveniles usually excel in the mid-summer period. The Requinto colt ran into the useful First Prophet on debut and is just preferred to Sun Festival, who also shaped well on its introduction.
Race 6: No6 – DAHEER
Trainer: Owen Burrows – Jockey: Jim Crowley
DAHEER hasn’t shown much in just two career starts but was returning from almost a year’s absence when fourth in a Bath maiden at the start of the month. That was also his first run after wind surgery. He’s the only horse in the race with scope for notable improvement and could prove a thorn in the side of top weight Quarry Beach.
SANDOWN PARK
Race 5: No3 – ENEMY (Nap)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Beaten just under nine lengths when fourth in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot, ENEMY should prove hard to beat competing in much calmer waters here. That was only a third career start for the som of Muhaarar, who remains a colt brim full of potential and who should appreciate today’s longer trip.
Race 6: No2 – DUBAI FOUNTAIN
Trainer: Mark Johnston – Jockey: PJ McDonald
DUBAI FOUNTAIN encountered small fields for both his successes at Haydock and Doncaster and may have sufficient scope for progression to deny last week’s Duke Of Cambridge Stakes second Fev Rover. The daughter of Teofilo scored by eight and a half lengths in soft ground at the first-named track, but should be equally effective on the forecast quicker terrain here.
STRATFORD
Race 2: No7 – OSCAR ROSE
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Paddy Brennan
OSCAR ROSE gets a handy sex allowance in this novices’ chase and can hit the target for a stable that’s made a good start to the season. She was sparingly campaigned over hurdles last season with just three outings and will be all the better for a spin over the smaller obstacles at the start of the month. She has schooled proficiently at home.
Race 5: No5 – GUNNERY
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Having made a pleasing transition to jumping last season, GUNNERY can underline the good impression made with a comeback success in this handicap hurdle. He opened his account at this time last year and also scored at Doncaster but wasn’t seen after an earning run at Sandown in the New Year. He can enjoy a bountiful summer for his top connections.
Race 7: No1 – JAMACHO (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Paul O’Brien
With his liking for this course fresh in the memory, JAMACHO should be very hard to beat in this handicap hurdle. Returning to jumps after five outings on the all-weather, the gelding pulled 13 lengths clear of Solstalla earlier in the month and seems set for a bountiful summer jumping campaign.
